Does Prior RN Clinical Experience Predict Academic Success in Graduate Nurse Practitioner Programs?

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Advanced Practice Nursing
• Graduate Health Programs

Background:

• Limited evidence exists on the predictive value of prior registered nurse (RN) clinical experience for academic success in graduate nurse practitioner (NP) programs.
• An assumption persists that greater RN clinical experience correlates with better academic outcomes in NP programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between prior RN clinical experience and academic performance in online NP programs at The George Washington University.
• To empirically test the assumption that more clinical experience equates to higher academic achievement for NP students.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 106 applications from clinical NP students admitted between 2008 and 2010.
• Examination of academic performance data, including cumulative GPA, clinical course GPA, and course failure/probation status.

Main Results:

• No significant relationship was identified between years of prior RN clinical experience and cumulative GPA, clinical course GPA, or instances of course failure/probation.
• A negative association was observed: students with the most prior RN clinical experience were less likely to graduate within 4 years compared to those with the least experience.

Conclusions:

• The findings provide empirical evidence challenging the assumption that extensive prior RN experience guarantees superior academic success in NP programs.
• Results suggest that admissions committees should consider the nuanced impact of clinical experience on NP program completion timelines.
• This study contributes foundational data for refining entry requirements and support strategies for NP programs.